Vapor-phase deposition for the thermoprotective layers for the space shuttle

The NASA investigation regarding the last crash of the Space Shuttle indicated that one of the concerns for the catastrophe was the loss of the thermal protective tiles. A study published in 1994 concluded that 15 percent of the protective tiles on the shuttle's underside account for about 85 percent of the risk of an accident. There are 15% black tiles installed by hand on the bottom surface of the Shuttle increase operational of risk. The purpose of this article is to reflect on development of the chemical vapor deposition process for the protective tiles on the Shuttle.